Aiming for a Brighter Future in Agriculture

In a small town like Artesia, N.M., community support plays an important role in helping the next generation succeed. With strong ties to agriculture and the oil and gas industries, Artesia is where local businesses and organizations can make a lasting difference in students’ lives. One example is the HF Sinclair Clay Shoot, an annual sporting clays competition that brings community members together while supporting the Artesia FFA Chapter financially.

HF Sinclair has a long history of supporting youth development organizations. According to Robert Boan, an HF Sinclair employee, the company began partnering with FFA through the annual sporting clays event four years ago. The partnership grew out of a connection between Boan, whose son, Chance, was involved in FFA, and the local chapter. According to Artesia FFA advisor Haley Ellett, HF Sinclair needed workers for the event and reached out because FFA members have a strong reputation.

The event brings together local businesses, community members, and contractors for a day of sporting clays, food, games, and prizes. Artesia FFA members volunteer by helping set up, assisting throughout the competition, interacting with participants, and cleaning up afterward. In return, HF Sinclair donates to the chapter after covering the costs of hosting the event.

According to Ellett, the donation has typically ranged from about $15,000 to $20,000, with last year’s contribution totaling about $18,500. This support gives students opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

“The direct impact of this event has been for members to attend the National FFA Convention as well as compete at district and state level CDEs and LDEs,” Ellett said. She also explained that the support helps student members attend the state convention and build connections with community members through their volunteer work.

For Boan, supporting FFA means investing in the community’s future. He believes the organization’s mission aligns with HF Sinclair’s commitment to developing future workers and problem-solvers.

“FFA is all about raising the next generation, and HF Sinclair is proud to support that mission,” Boan said.

He also emphasized the importance of community involvement in developing future leaders, explaining that the strongest leaders and problem-solvers come from communities that are both supportive and personally invested in their success.

For Artesia FFA member Swayzee Folmar, HF Sinclair’s support means much more than financial assistance.

“It means the world to me to have a company like HF Sinclair support our chapter,” Folmar said. “Knowing there are people who believe in us, want to see us succeed, and are willing to invest in our future means more to me than words could ever explain.”

Folmar has experienced firsthand how FFA creates opportunities for members to grow. Through travel, competitions and connections with agriculturists, the organization has helped shape her future and develop her as a leader.

“FFA has impacted my life in countless ways,” Folmar said. “It has made me a better person, taught me the importance of agriculture, and helped me build meaningful connections with agriculturists.”

Beyond the financial contribution, the clay shoot gives members an opportunity to practice the skills FFA teaches. By working alongside HF Sinclair employees and interacting with participants, members develop communication, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility while strengthening their connection to the community.

Folmar hopes the community recognizes how much this support matters to young people.

“Supporting FFA means investing in the next generation of leaders, agriculturists and hardworking individuals,” she said. “Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to believe in a student to open doors and create opportunities they may have never had otherwise.”

In a small town like Artesia, partnerships like this demonstrate how local businesses and student organizations can work together to make a difference. Through the HF Sinclair Clay Shoot, FFA members gain valuable experiences, build community connections and receive support that helps them pursue opportunities they might not otherwise have.

Ultimately, the event represents more than a day of competition. It reflects a community willing to invest in its young people and help prepare the next generation of leaders.